Automating Age of Origins on Mac with PlayCover

The current setup

OriginsBot’s current Mac workflow runs the iOS version of Age of Origins through PlayCover. It uses on-device vision to interpret game-window captures and a bundled per-game input bridge to send game actions.

An Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later), macOS 14 or later, PlayCover 4.0 or later with user plugin support, and a compatible iOS version of Age of Origins.

How to get started

1. Install OriginsBot and complete the PlayCover setup guide.
2. Install a compatible game and log into your account.
3. Grant Screen Recording access and install the Input Bridge for each game.
4. Launch the game, connect your games, and configure tasks and cooldowns.
5. Check a successful run, then review keeping OriginsBot running before leaving it unattended.

What automation includes

Gathering and collection are available on Free and Gathering. Pro adds Troop Training, Resource Audit, Peace Shield Manager, Resource Sale, Harvest Skill, Free Recruit, and Live Vision Preview. Your game must meet each task’s requirements.

Scheduling still works

OriginsBot still schedules work in PlayCover mode. Enabled tasks return to the queue when their cooldown expires; Resource Sale uses the daily server reset at 00:00 UTC, and Harvest Skill uses a 12-hour cooldown. Free Recruit uses its own remaining-use and cooldown checks. Work runs when the bot is running and the game is connected and available; a due time is not a guarantee of immediate execution.

Automatic relaunch and failure-based game restart are disabled in PlayCover mode. The older automatic close/relaunch and concurrent-instance launch queue belong to the BlueStacks workflow. Keep your PlayCover games running and use the device’s Launch button when a game needs opening.

Upgrading from the BlueStacks guides

ADB ports and Android emulator settings are no longer the setup path described here. The Setup Assistant handles compatible PlayCover checks, game compatibility guidance, capture permission, and per-game bridge installation.

Old setup screenshots and videos describe a different workflow. Use the current guides linked above.

Remote companion

OriginsBot Remote for iOS can monitor and control the Mac session through iCloud sync. It does not run the automation on your phone: OriginsBot and the game still need to be available on the Mac.